State of the State 2013: 5 takeaways from Gov. Rick Snyder's speech

LANSING, MI – Gov. Rick Snyder’s third State of the State speech will prompt debate and follow-ups that will last throughout 2013 and beyond. Five takeaways from Wednesday’s speech by the Republican governor:

Tough road for roads proposal: Snyder plans to push hard -- for $1.2 billion initially -- in additional annual funding for Michigan’s crumbling roads. That plan could come with higher vehicle registration fees and tax changes or increases at the pump. It could be a tough sell in the Legislature, where lawmakers know anything that raises the cost of driving could be unpopular. House Speaker Jase Bolger, R-Marshall, after Snyder’s speech. “I think our taxpayers are the last place we should look, but I think we have to solve this problem."

Can Republicans and Democrats play nice?: Snyder alluded to the divisiveness of the right-to-work debate from December and tried to heal some wounds with Democrats who felt betrayed by his backing of the proposal. “I’m going to work hard to find common ground where we can work together, and I hope all of you join me in doing the same thing,” Snyder said. Democrats appeared skeptical. Rep. Tim Greimel of Auburn Hills – leader of the House Democrats – said Snyder “certainly paid plenty of lip service to bipartisanship, but the proof's in the pudding.” Republicans hold majorities over Democrats in both the Senate and House. Democrats say Republicans rammed policies through last year without seeking consensus or compromise.

This isn’t over: The State of the State speech is one thing, but Snyder tends to do proposal rollouts pretty much year-round. His next state government budget proposal is due in February. An economic development summit is planned in March, an education summit follows in April, a public land strategy plan is targeted for May, a Great Lakes summit is expected in June and some energy policy updates could be discussed in December.

Emotions in motion: By Snyder standards, he got fairly emotional near the end of his speech when talking about efforts to continue the path of economic recovery. He talked about the economic troubles of 2009 – and before -- and efforts to make sure those days don’t return, calling it a “lost decade.” Also emotional at times: an estimated 500 protesters outside the Capitol. It included right-to-work opponents, and Native Americans — part of an organization called "Idle No More" — gathered in a large drum circle advocating for environmental issues.

Things unsaid: Snyder talked about some education proposals – specifically the Education Achievement Authority and some early childhood education efforts -- but stayed away from broader education reforms that some Democrats are worried he’ll try to advance at some point in 2013. And some Detroiters were surprised that Snyder didn’t spend more time talking about the Motor City, where financial problems are raising concerns that an emergency manager might eventually be appointed.